Jarez: The Gritty Voice of Modern Blues Rock

Jarez is a blues rock singer and guitarist from Chicago, Illinois, known for his raw vocal delivery and incendiary live performances. His major label debut album, Smoke & Mirrors, cracked the Billboard 200 and spawned a certified gold single, establishing him as a formidable force in the contemporary rock scene.

Early career

Born Jarez Kowalski in 1988, he grew up immersed in the historic blues clubs of Chicago's South Side. He began playing guitar at age 14, citing local legends like Buddy Guy and Howlin' Wolf as primary influences alongside rock acts like The Black Keys.

After years of grinding on the local circuit, he self-released the EP Crossroad Hearts in 2012. This raw collection caught the attention of indie label Rustbelt Records, which signed him and released his first full-length album, Gravel Road, in 2014.

Breakthrough

Jarez's breakthrough arrived in 2017 with the single Devil's Handshake from his sophomore album Smoke & Mirrors. The track's explosive blend of swampy blues and modern rock riffage earned heavy rotation on rock radio, propelling the album to number 78 on the Billboard 200.

Devil's Handshake was later certified gold by the RIAA, a significant milestone for an artist on a mid-sized label. The success of Smoke & Mirrors led to a major label deal with Atlantic Records subsidiary Tower Records.

Key tracks

Devil's Handshake — This gold-certified single was Jarez's first major radio hit and defined his signature blues rock sound.

Borrowed Time — A slower, soulful track that showcased his vocal depth and songwriting, expanding his audience beyond hard rock fans.

Kings & Fools — Featuring a guest slide guitar solo from veteran bluesman Joe Bonamassa, this collaboration cemented his credibility within the genre.

Burn It Down — Known for its frenetic energy, this song became a staple opener for his intense live shows and festival appearances.

Following his breakthrough, Jarez leveraged his new platform to tour extensively, including opening slots for Gary Clark Jr. and Greta Van Fleet. His third album, 2021's Ironclad, debuted at number 52 on the Billboard 200 and featured a co-write with producer Jacquire King. While maintaining his blues foundation, the record incorporated elements of garage rock and soul, demonstrating artistic growth. Recent years have seen Jarez focus on headline tours and festival circuits across North America and Europe, building a dedicated fanbase drawn to his authentic, high-energy approach. Fans of Jarez's gritty, guitar-driven style should also explore the work of similar American rock artists. The Black Keys share a foundational blues influence and a knack for modern, riff-based production. Gary Clark Jr operates in a similar space, merging traditional blues with contemporary rock and soul aesthetics. Rival Sons deliver the same brand of vintage-inspired, powerhouse rock with a focus on compelling live performance. Greta Van Fleet channels classic rock grandeur with a modern intensity that resonates with Jarez's own audience.

Jarez's music maintains a strong presence on radio, particularly on classic rock FM stations that program newer acts and on dedicated alternative rock radio stations seeking guitar-driven content. His tracks are also frequently featured on online rock radio streams and independent music radio stations that champion authentic blues-infused rock.

Listeners can discover the powerful blues rock of Jarez through the radio stations featured on our website. His catalog, from early indie releases to his major label albums, is regularly played on various rock formats available on onairium.com.